Free Web NovelChapter 20: Chapter 20 Zane?
Sylvia’s POV
I lowered my champagne glass with practiced elegance, keeping my expression perfectly composed as another business tycoon showered me with flattery. The crystal chandelier light caught in the golden liquid as I tilted the glass slightly, creating an illusion of warmth that didn’t quite reach my eyes.
"Ms. Sylvia, you’re truly remarkable for someone so young," the executive said, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "Your achievements are nothing short of extraordinary."
I offered him a measured smile, raising my glass in acknowledgment. "You’re too kind. I’ve merely done what needed to be done."
Though I maintained perfect composure, a hint of disappointment lingered beneath my serene façade. The mysterious CEO of Vertex Group had failed to make an appearance despite all indications he would attend. A scheduling conflict? What a waste of an evening.
As the gala began winding down, the air grew heavy with the cloying mixture of expensive perfumes and champagne. I gracefully declined several invitations from various businessmen; I desperately needed a quiet and refreshing place to rest.
"Sylvia! I’m heading out now. My driver’s waiting," Morgana called, approaching me with her signature honey-sweet voice. "Did you enjoy yourself tonight?"
I arched an eyebrow, allowing a trace of sarcasm to color my tone. "Enjoy myself? It was... adequate. Though I didn’t see who I was hoping to see."
"And who might that be?" Morgana’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Don’t tell me you were hoping to catch a glimpse of Vertex’s elusive CEO?"
"You know me too well," I winked playfully, though I couldn’t prevent a slight sigh from escaping. "Unfortunately, it seems important people have important things to do elsewhere."
Morgana patted my shoulder with sisterly affection. "Maybe he simply prefers to stay under the radar? Anyway, I should go. Call me tomorrow!" freēwēbηovel.c૦m
As Morgana’s silhouette disappeared into the crowd, I retrieved my phone to call for my car. Before I could dial, the screen illuminated with a name that made my heart skip: Caesar.
"Hello?" I answered, trying to sound casual.
"I’m waiting for you in the parking lot,"Alpha Caesar’s deep, resonant voice carried through the phone, a subtle warmth underlying his usual commanding tone.
A strange flutter awakened in my chest. "What are you doing here?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise.
"Bringing Sivi home is my responsibility," he replied simply, using the nickname only he was allowed to use.
I ended the call without further questions and made my way to the parking lot. The night breeze caressed my face, carrying away the lingering tension from the evening’s earlier confrontation.
A sleek black Maybach glided to a stop before me, its door opening as if by magic. The moment I slipped inside and the door closed behind me, the chaos of the outside world faded away, replaced by soft classical music filling the luxurious interior.
I sank into the buttery-soft leather seat with a deep sigh of relief, finally allowing my shoulders to relax from their perfect posture. Tonight’s event had been more draining than I’d anticipated.
"Did my Sivi enjoy playing with the wolves tonight?" Caesar’s low, smooth voice broke the comfortable silence, his tone carrying that peculiar mix of authority and tenderness that only he could manage.
I turned to look at him, drinking in his sharp profile highlighted by the dim interior lighting. His eyes caught what little light existed, gleaming like a predator’s in the darkness. My wolf responded with a strange yearning I quickly suppressed.
"It was tolerable," I replied with deliberate nonchalance, stretching slightly in my seat. "Just a pack of old foxes, all false smiles and calculated moves. I wouldn’t have bothered if not for the project."
Caesar’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "The business world is a battlefield. When has it ever been anything but a game of masks?"
"Of course," I smirked confidently, my wolf preening beneath my skin. "But they should know who they’re dealing with."
He reached over and gently ruffled my hair, a gesture that would have earned anyone else a broken wrist. From him, somehow, it felt right. "Yes, yes. My Sivi is the most formidable of them all."
His casual possessiveness sent an unfamiliar warmth through my veins. I found myself recounting the evening’s events, including the confrontation with Zane and Chloe, with a lightness I rarely felt.
"Hmph." Caesar’s cold laugh held nothing but disdain. "Mere puppets jumping on strings. They’re not worth your consideration."
"Exactly!" I nodded emphatically, my wolf growling in agreement. "The way he looked at me—as if I should be devastated without him. He should take a long, hard look in the mirror before acting so self-important."
"You," Caesar shook his head with feigned exasperation, his eyes betraying his affection, "have such a sharp tongue."
"I’m just stating facts," I countered, feeling oddly defensive. "Was I wrong? I can only blame myself for not seeing his true nature sooner."
Caesar returned his attention to driving, a comfortable silence falling between us. My wolf settled contentedly, as if his mere presence soothed something within her that I hadn’t known needed soothing.
The tranquil moment shattered when a sudden, violent knocking on my window made me jump. I whipped my head around to see Zane standing beside the car, face contorted with rage as he pounded on the glass.
Goddess above. Zane? freeweɓnøvel.com
How had he found me here?
